ROME, Ga., Jan. 8, 2025 – January is a great time to prioritize your health and well-being. Here are some practical tips to restart your health in 2025.
1. Schedule Your Annual Physical
“You should consider your primary care provider your partner in health," said Loren Bass, a nurse practitioner with Atrium Health Floyd Cherokee Medical Center Rural Health Clinic in Centre, Ala. “Your doctor can't help you if don't make regular visits," she said.
An annual physical is more than a check-up; it's a chance to discuss your health concerns, set health goals, identify potential risks and create a personalized plan so that you may be successful in the year ahead.
Bass said that visit should include discussion of screenings, vaccinations and any lingering concerns you may have about your health.
2. Set Realistic Health Goals
Instead of making sweeping resolutions, focus on smaller, actionable steps.
“Doing simple things like drinking more water, eating more veggies and walking can make a big difference in your overall wellness," Bass said.
Those minor changes can make a significant difference in how you feel.
3. Prioritize Mental Health
Your mental well-being is just as important as your physical health. Atrium Health Floyd primary care providers can connect you with resources such as counseling or stress management programs. Mental health affects how we think, feel and act. It also influences how we manage stress and make decisions.
“Anxiety, depression and other serious conditions can impact our daily life and overall happiness," Bass said. “It's a mistake to think those issues don't affect your physical well-being."
4. Catch Up on Preventive Screenings
Early detection saves lives. Depending on your age, gender and family history, your primary care provider can guide you on which screenings — like mammograms, colonoscopies or cholesterol checks—you may need.
5. Create a Sustainable Routine
A new year doesn't mean a total overhaul. Instead, build on habits that align with your lifestyle. Whether it's incorporating more movement, improving sleep hygiene or quitting smoking, your primary care provider can offer tools and strategies tailored to your needs.
“Too many people start off with unrealistic goals," Bass said. “Your doctor can help you focus on changes that can benefit you personally."
Reach out to Bass to schedule your annual check-up and discover other way she can support your journey to better health.
Atrium Health Floyd Cherokee Medical Center Rural Health Clinic in Cherokee, AL, is Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. CST. To make an appointment, call 1-256-927-4900.